Root Vegetable

When to Plant Radishes in Ohio

The fastest vegetable in the garden — some varieties are ready in just 25 days. Perfect for impatient gardeners and kids.

The Short Answer

Radishes are the instant gratification crop of the Ohio garden — some varieties go from seed to salad in just 25 days. They're perfect for impatient gardeners and kids, and their cold tolerance means they can go in the ground alongside peas as Ohio's earliest spring planting.

Ohio Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Ohio you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Ohio 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Ohio 6a, 6b Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Ohio 6b Apr 15 - Apr 30 Oct 15 - Oct 30

Radishes Planting Schedule for Ohio

Northern Ohio (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central Ohio (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Southern Ohio (Zones 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - Apr 30 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Oct 30

Direct Sow
4 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Radishes in Ohio

State-Specific Growing Tips

Direct sow 4 weeks before last frost (early April). Succession plant every 2 weeks through May. Resume in September for fall harvest. Radishes bolt quickly once Ohio temperatures exceed 80°F — spring is the primary season. Ohio's clay grows acceptable radishes with light compost amendment.

Recommended Varieties for Ohio

Cherry Belle (22 days), French Breakfast (25 days), Easter Egg (mix of colors, 28 days). For fall: Watermelon radish, Daikon. Ohio State Extension recommends radishes as the ideal first crop for beginning gardeners.

Common Challenges in Ohio

Bolting and pithy texture in summer heat. Flea beetles make tiny holes in leaves. Root maggots occasionally. The crop is so fast that most pests don't have time to cause serious damage.

Growing Tips

Don't let them stay in the ground too long — they get pithy and hot. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.

Companion Planting

Plant radishes alongside these companions for better growth:

Peas Lettuce Carrots Spinach

The Bottom Line

Radishes can be grown successfully in Ohio with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern Ohio gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Southern Ohio sees frost end around Apr 15 - Apr 30. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Radishes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Ohio Planting Calendar All plants for Ohio Radishes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Radishes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Radishes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Radishes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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